Nine former vice chancellors from various North Eastern universities took part in a lively panel discussion held at the Regional College of Higher Education (RCHE) Guwahati on January 1 to take a re look at the existing education scenario in the region. The programme was organised by the ERD Foundation and inaugurated by R. S. Mooshahary, governor of Meghalaya. At the commencement of the programme, the chief guest and the former VCs were felicitated by Mahbubul Hoque, chairman ERDF.Setting the ball rolling, Dr N. K. Choudhury (GU) lauded the gesture of ERDF in recognising the services of the former VCs and honouring them in a public function. R. S. Mooshahary appealed to all participants to come up with constructive criticism so that the system could be improved. Participating in the discussion, Dr D. N. Barthakur (AAU) lamented the absence of subjects like history and geography from most of curriculums in our school. Dr Kulendu Pathak (DU) appealed to all teachers to help people develop a scientific temperament from their school and college education.Dr. H. L. Duarah (GU) expressed the opinion that the level of education can be judged from people’s behaviour, conversation and temperament. Dr K. M. Pathak (TU) spoke on the reasons why students of North East are compelled to migrate to other states for higher studies. Dr A. C. Bhagawati (RGU) said that many teachers have ‘zero contact hours’ with their students in a week.Dr Kamaleswar Borah (DU) spoke on examination reforms and Dr G. N. Talukdar with the importance of non-formal education in today’s society.Dr H. K. Barua, director Regional Institute of Science & Technology (RIST) made the concluding remarks summing up the interaction of the audience. The discussion was moderated by Nurul Islam Laskar, Director, Corporate Communication ERDF. Several leading citizens including Dr Lakshmi Nandan Bora, former president of Asom Sahitya Sabha attended the function.